New Things

Although I spent maybe just a little too much money this weekend, I'd like to think it was all necessary things and I was wise with my $. The new dressage saddle seems like it's going to work for Bridget. I don't love it for myself, but I think I can get used to it. Since we're keeping it, and I haven't had a dressage saddle in a very long time, I needed to shop for all the dressage queen fittings one would expect to be necessary in our pursuit of 20×60 perfection.

Spoiler alert: we're happy with our purchases. Also, either Bridget has grown or I have shrunk. A 14.1hh pony should not look so much taller than me.

Such shopping necessitated a trip across Howe Sound to Vancouver, continuing on to Langley, horsey capital of the Lower Mainland.  There are 5 tack stores I'm aware of that are all within 10 minutes of each other. We went to 4 before I just couldn't handle spending any more money. Number 5 will have to wait for another day.

First stop was The Tack Addict, which is a consignment store that carries pretty much only quality, high end stuff. Highly recommend if you're in the area, the owner was super helpful and friendly and the store was really nice. I picked up a Schockemohle piaffe girth for Bridget's new saddle. It was still new and the original tag showed $179. We paid $70 and I was very happy. It's a simple, but really nice girth and a big step above what I was expecting to find in my budget.  For the lovely Q mare and owner, we found an almost new blanket liner for $20. Bonus points for a fun story: it used to belong to one of the Cavalia horses. I guess they trade in for brand new things the moment they look even slightly worn...gotta look all perfect for the VIP tours :)

New girth looks like so

Right next door, there is an Equestrian Factory Outlet. Again, a lot of high end stuff at a discount. Sadly, as much as I covet $800 show jackets and $400 breeches, even at half off that's still beyond my comfort zone. So, I walked away sad and empty handed.

Next stop, Greenhawk, which pretty much every Canadian horse person is familiar with. Purchases were slightly boring: new midgrade dressage leathers, new composite stirrups, a grazing muzzle for B, some Belvoir leather conditioner, and a dressage pad. Responsible me would have bought black or white so it could work for schooling and showing, but there was a pretty greenish blue color that spoke to me, so now my one and only dressage pad is not show appropriate.  Too bad, I still think the blue is nicer.

Finally, Bates Tack Shop, home to all things Asmar and BR. So many pretty things, and still a ton of 50% off sale items left from their fall and winter stock. Here, I found the best surprise of all: a dressage bridle for a cob, with a plain noseband and no bling. We ended up with a Bobby's double bridle that was missing the bradoon hanger.  So, obviously it had to be marked down to half price :), and makes a perfect snaffle bridle for B. We're going simple and old school bridle wise, which is actually what I wanted. I'm undecided on the wide patent nosebands on small cobby faces, ditto the blingy swoopy browbands - Im not sure if theyre Bridgets style . I'll likely go for some bling eventually, but I'm going to have to think on it. I resisted the call of all the gorgeous clothing and finished the shopping there while I still hadn't strayed from my list of neccessities.

Like so. Old school buckles and all. I love it on B.

Today, we tried on all the things with much success. Everything works, except the dressage leathers, which are about an inch too long for a shorty like me. I bought 58" ones, but probably should have looked for jump leathers in black instead. Oh well, the hole punch is my friend!

No clue what I'm doing besides being super sore and slouchy, but check out the adorable pony and pretty saddle pad :)

Lesson night tomorrow!  I finally got back in the tack today. It hurt, but it was time.